'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Jalama
12:30 We pick up two women following a treatment at the Rambam hospital and drive them to Jalama checkpoint.
13:30 – Jalama checkpoint.
At this time the site appears deserted. The security personnel seem unhappy with our presence. Despite that one of them agrees to explain a few things. Adults who are permitted to cross without DCO permits can also go through the Barta'a checkpoint. One of those crossing the gate is an Israeli Orthodox Jew who, due to this year of "Shmeetah" (fallow year), has purchase vegetables in large quantities from a Palestinian. He says there is collaboration with Palestinians in many other areas.
A large group of young women with small children, as well as adult man and women, return from visiting prisoners in jail. A sad sight.
14:15 We leave.
14:50 Anin checkpoint
The checkpoint is due to open at 15:00. At 15:15 we call the DCO to inquire and soldiers arrive at 15:45.
In the meantime we speak with people who are waiting there. M. tells us of the good life prior to the checkpoints. He made a good living and also said that most of the people at the village can't get passage permits to cultivate their lands. They live poor lives on Pita bread, olive oil, za'atar, and olives.
When Rachel asks why the delay, a female soldiers barks :"Don't answer them".
15:05 Tura checkpoint
Empty and unnecessary.
16:20 Barta'a checkpoint
Many people return home from work. They greet us and cross without delays. B. asks for help; how come he and his friends, all devoted veteran workers, are still being delayed at the checkpoint
17:30 We leave.
Ex-territory with a language, habits and special conception of time for inferior human beings.
If one day someone would write a dictionary of the checkpoints, the book would be slim. Very slim. Most of the words are in a command form: Get out of here, Go, No, Go to the DCO. Open. Close. This dictionary has no polite words. No word of forgiveness, no apologies. Should a soldier apologize for being an hour late in opening the gate? Has anyone heard a soldier address an old Palestinian as "Sir?" (Sound like a joke). We, "the Watchers," are also subjected to the checkpoint's style of talking.